Important Questions About Bed Rest

If you're on bed rest, you have many questions about your medical situation, the terms of your bed rest, and what you can and can't do while on bed rest. The following list of questions will help you clarify your bed rest limitations. Print them out and get the answers from your doctor:

• Why do I need to go on bed rest?
• Do I need to take any medication?
• Will I receive any testing or medical monitoring?

• Can I sit up in bed?
• Can I get out of bed?
• Can I walk at all?
• Do I need to lie in a particular position?
• Can I reach for things or do I have to use a reaching device?

• Under what circumstances (if any) can I continue to work?
• Can I continue to do housework? If so, how much and what types?
• Should I stop driving?
• Should I abstain from or limit sex? If so, what are the limits?
• Can I take a shower or bath, or do I have to take a sponge bath in bed?
• Can I get out of bed to wash my hair?
• Do I have to use a bedpan or can I get up to use the toilet?
• When can I have visitors, and how many at a time?

Source: Elizabeth Pryor, MD, FACOG

All content here, including advice from doctors and other health professionals, should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.